Cuz 2>1

Cuz 2>1
Martin and Julie as little tykes, getting an early start on lifelong friendship

About the Contributors

Since we can remember, movies have been a big part of our lives. It's a way that connects our family, and brings back a lot of memories. As cousins who spent a couple formative years in high school together, Julie and Martin discovered a great friendship in sharing movies. Comedies helped us laugh when our hearts were broken, and action flicks allowed us to fantasize about fast cars we would never drive (well, maybe Martin would). Over ten years after high school, we still call each other up and laugh about our favorite lines or ask about a movie song we can't quite remember.

Julie lives in Southern Oregon and works in Administration and Graphic Design. She's published a book of poetry, designs websites, and enjoys listening to records while playing pool in her garage. Almost every night after she's put her two sons to bed, she usually watches a movie with her husband.

Martin lives in the Atlanta area with his wife and their two hyper-active dogs. He is an account executive for a telecommunications company, but off the job Martin is often found administrating his Lotus forum or outside running with his dogs. Movies are his great escape from the chaos, and life-long passion.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Ghost Town

A lot of people love the television show, The Office. I don't know how many people realize this comedy started off as a British tv show, thanks mainly to Ricky Gervais. I think one of the best things that could've happened to him finally did: landing a leading role in a film (although how funny was he in Night at the Museum).

A delightful, poignant, surprising yet not so surprising romantic comedy, Ghost Town was enjoyable from the very beginning to the lovely John Mayer laced closing credits. It was very well cast, and although Gervais certainly stole the screen with his hilarious seriousness and British snobbery as an antisocial dentist named Pincus, supporting characters played by Greg Kinnear and Tea Leoni were just as fantastic. Kinnear makes an excellent rich, self-absorbed New York ghost, and Leoni, who plays his widow is sweet, endearing and charming.

Like most RomComs, the storyline itself was somewhat predictable, but this was disregarded by the perfect moments of surprise. Nothing was overdone, nothing was boring. I admit the title is somewhat inappropriate for the story. Because it indicates the movie's about a man who can see ghosts, and the ghosts are what makes the story what it is, when really it's Gervais' and Leoni's characters that are the essentials and the ghosts are just supporting. That being said, the subplot of the various ghost characters are wonderful, and at one point had me fogging up when you realize how much Pincus has truly been changed for the better. It was directed and written well. It was a beautiful story that most people could enjoy.

Grade: A-.
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